Sihanoukville Tourism And Travel Guide

Sihanoukville is one of the lesser-known beach havens in the continent of Asia, holding up exciting sun and sand prospects for tourists. Additionally, the city also boasts of the incredible Kbal Chhay Waterfall, which is nestled amidst the wilderness of Ream National Park. Along with such magnificent natural phenomenon, Sihanoukville also boasts of a rich cultural tradition and ancient religious shrines. With such diverse tourism destinations to catch a glimpse of, Sihanoukville is slowly gaining popularity as one of the better sites in Cambodia. Let us walk through this travel guide to know how this city attracts tourism prospects.

By Air:
The nearest airport to Sihanoukville, Sihanouk International Airport, lies approximately 20 km to the east of town. Some of the international hubs that connect to this airport include cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Tianjin in Malaysia and China, respectively. Prime air carries like Cambodia Angkor Airlines, Air Asia, and Bayon Airlines operate along this airway.

By Road:
Sihanoukville is well connected to other prime cities in Cambodia such as Phnom Penh, Kampot, Kep, and Koh Kong, through National Highway 4. Not only domestic centers such as Siem Reap, but also international hubs such as Vietnam, Trat, Ha Tien, and Bangkok enjoy excellent connectivity to this town. Some of the major bus transporters in the city, such as Giant Ibis, Soriya, and Capitol even provide Wi-Fi services.

By Water:

The prime port providing waterway connectivity to Sihanoukville is the Sihanoukville International Port. The boat station at Serendipity Beach also offers good connectivity to other towns such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Ferry carriers such as GTVC, Angkor Speed Ferry, Buva Sea Cambodia, and Island Speed Ferry Cambodia regularly ply their boats along this route.

Owing to its proximity to coastal waters, Sihanoukville experiences a tropical climate. The southwest monsoon winds help form two main seasons in the city, the dry season and the wet season. The sunny weather of the dry season proves to be the best time of the year to pay a visit to this beach haven.

Dry Season (October to Early May):
The months between November and February form the best time of the year to pay a visit to Sihanoukville, thanks to the warm temperatures. With a climate usually witnessing temperatures close to 30°C, the dry season is an apt time for tourists to explore the splendid beaches of the city. This season is the perfect time to soak in some bright sunlight at beaches studded with white sands.

Wet Season (Early May to September):
Thanks to the tropical essence of Sihanoukville, its wet season witnesses short bouts of rainfall and humidity. However, the fact that this season is not the peak time for visiting Sihanoukville means that tourists can explore sites amidst lesser crowds. The offseason also provides them with inexpensive stays at the beautiful beach resorts of the city.

Thrilling Watersports:
With a stunning shoreline adorning the boundaries of Sihanoukville, it is only apt that watersports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing are prevalent here. The months between December and June prove appropriate to take up diving and snorkeling ventures into pristine and calm aquatic waters. Colorful oceanic fish, clear waters, and incredible coral reefs, Sihanoukville offers tourists with a perfect atmosphere for watersports.

Gorgeous Beach Paradise:
Sihanoukville has a stunning array of beaches spread across its expanse, with adventurous watersports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing on offer. Beaches such as Otres Beach, Independence Beach, Serendipity Beach, and Sokha Beach boast of seaside restaurants brimming with delicious local and international cuisine. The setting of towering coconut trees and pristine blue waters offers visitors breathtaking sceneries.

Beautiful Landscapes and Wildlife:
Places such as Ream National Park and Kbal Chhay Waterfall form breathtaking natural specimens for tourists who visit Sihanoukville. The national park's expanse consists of the cascading waters of the Kbal Chhay Waterfall, with splendid conditions for picnic festivities. Also, the national park offers visitors with picturesque boating ventures through mangrove filled waters and exciting trekking routes.

Sihanoukville oozes Khmer touch with the constant presence of delicacies such as Banana Flower Salad, Spring Rolls, and Lok-Lak in the local diet. It is a refreshing experience to be seated at one of the many seaside restaurants in town, sipping on rich wine and feasting on some delicious Beachside Barbeque Squid. The coastal climate means that seafood is a part of the staple diet of the people. You get to choose which fish you want to have from a collection of prawns, squids, crabs, shellfish, and lobsters. Tourists either feast at a lavish cafe or at the seaside with waves lashing at their feet.

Sihanoukville is slowly turning into a shopping hub with its beach roads being occupied with interesting stalls all over its expanse. The beach road at Serendipity Beach is studded with stalls offering handicrafts, clothes, authentic souvenirs, and local musical records. Lucky tourists may also be able to get their hands on ill-famed Durian and delicious jackfruit. Some of the top shopping spots around the city include Friend Mart, Otres River Village, Orange Mart, and Samudera. The two main markets in town, Phsar Leu Market and Phsar Pinichicom Market offer a variety of fresh meat items, clothing, jewellery, and auto parts.